KONA BREWING CO.

Kona Brewing Co. recently announced the addition of Yve Minear to its staff as director of restaurant operations. In the newly created position, Minear will oversee the operations of all of Kona Brewing Co.'s restaurants, the retail division of the company and pub licensing.

WAIKOLOA BEACH MARRIOTT RESORT

Sharon Bianco has been hired as director of events at the newly renovated 555-room Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. She will be responsible for the resort's catering and banquet operations.

Bianco, who has more than 30 years of experience in the hotel food and beverage, catering and convention services, most recently served as the assistant director of events at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.

BENNET GROUP STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Bennet Group Strategic Communications, Hawai'i's fifth-largest public relations firm, has hired Carrie Carlin as an account executive.

Carlin was an account executive for Stryker Weiner & Yokota Public Relations Inc., where she serviced AIG Hawaii, Pacific Resource Partnership and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.